The Hook Bass Angling Festival was fished last weekend from the 26th to the 28th of October in bitterly cold weather. Conditions were for the most part unfavourable. On the Friday winds were north north east swinging to north north west, raw and cutting. On Saturday the winds were again north north east, bitterly cold and died away to flat calm. Sunday saw the weather change again with heavy rain and winds from the west and south and still very cold. In the evening there were talks from Billy Colfer and Dr. Ed Fahy about the history of the area and about bass fishing.
The fishing overall was poor and weather took a toll on the turn out. Mark Baker, Gormanstown Anglers, of Stamullen was the eventual winner with a fine 42cm bass on Sunday afternoon. The competition was fished on a catch and release basis and after a quick photo the fish was returned to the sea. Mark was delight with 1st prize presented by David Neville, Chairperson of Hook Tourism; a weekend accommodation at Grangecourt Holiday Cottages Ltd., Fethard-On-Sea that sleeps up to 5 people, and a day trip fishing for two with Wild Swan, Mermaid Angling, Arthurstown.
